Hooper, Shadrach Kemp (sold)

Shadrach Kemp Hooper (May 30, 1841 - March 18, 1923) was an American railroad man and advertising executive. Sometimes known as the 'father of railroad advertising,' Hooper was born in New Albany, Indiana. Hooper worked as a steamboat blacksmith and engineer early in life before enlisting in the Union Army on June 1, 1861. He was a member of the 23rd Indiana Regiment of Volunteer Infantry and is said to have fought at the Battle of Shiloh and been part of General Sherman's March to the Sea, when, it is said, he was promoted to Major, which he was referred to for the rest of his life. He was mustered out of the Union Army on April 7, 1865. Then, he began working for railroads and held positions with the Louisville, New Albany, and Chicago; the Jackson and Saginaw; the Hannibal and St. Joseph; and the Iowa Central, among others. He joined the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad in June 1884 as the General Passenger and Ticket Agent. Not long after joining the Denver and Rio Grande, Hooper embarked on a comprehensive advertising campaign that helped make the Denver and Rio Grande known as the greatest scenic route in the world. Hooper also led the drive for the Denver and Rio Grande to have a recognizable advertising emblem and solicited artistic submissions. By autumn 1884, Hooper had selected a design. He also authored numerous pamphlets and books, among these are 'The Beautiful Denver and Rio Grande: Scenic Line of the World', 'The Story of Manitou', 'Tourists' Hand Book to Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah', 'Rhyme of the Rockies', and 'The Gold Fields of Colorado'. He also penned 'A Historical Sketch of the 23rd Indiana Volunteer Infantry', which he distributed at the 23rd Indiana's 1910 reunion in New Albany, Indiana.